Blue Jackets ink center Brandon Dubinsky to a 6-year extension

Brandon Dubinsky #17 of the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrates after scoring the game tying goal during the third period against the Pittsburgh Penguins in Game Four of the First Round of the 2014 NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs at Nationwide Arena

Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images

On Friday, the Columbus Blue Jacketsannounced Friday that they had agreed to a longterm contract extension with center Brandon Dubinsky. While financial terms were not disclosed, the six-year deal is reportedly worth $35.1 million, and will carry an annual cap hit of $5.85 million. It also reportedly contains a no-movement clause over the first three seasons, with a limited no-trade clause in the remaining years.

"This is a well-earned contract for a player who has been in this League for many years and has played on a high level for many of those years," said general manager Jarmo Kekalainen. "He's a leader on this team and a guy who plays at his best when it counts the most as we all saw in the playoffs."

The 28-year-old Dubinsky had 19 goals and 50 points in 76 games last season, while also serving as an alternate captain. He also have six points in six postseason games, and was instrumental in holding regular season leading scorer Sidney Crosby without a goal in their first round matchup. He would have become an unrestricted free agent following next season.

In 498 career NHL games, Dubinsky has 99 goals and 283 points. He also has 23 points in 37 career playoff games. Last season, the Blue Jackets made it to the playoffs for only the second time in their history, falling to the Pittsburgh Penguins in the opening round.

With Dubinsky signed, the Blue Jackets can now turn their attention to center Ryan Johansen. The 21-year-old Johansen had 33 goals and 63 points in 82 games last season, adding six more points in six playoff games. Johansen in a restricted free agent, but negotiations with the team have soured, who want to sign him to a bridge deal, while Johansen is looking for something long term.

“I want to play in Columbus, and I want to be a Blue Jacket,” said Johansen. “But I want to get this done. It [their offer] seems like a slap in the face.”

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Andrew has a Bachelor's Degree in Journalism from the University of Northern Colorado. After writing for several other sites, he became a Content Manager for Examiner. Andrew currently oversees several channels including sports.